Karen from Urban Pax shares her guide to the most charming medieval villages in France that are close to Nice on the French Riviera.
The sun shines almost daily on the Côte d’Azur over chic beaches and a cool lifestyle. People come here from all over the world to be part of the French Riviera vibe. However, not far from the glamour and glitz of the Riviera, enchanting French medieval villages offer a welcome contrast.
Charming Medieval Villages in France
These small medieval villages in France are nestled on the hilltops of the French Riviera. Most travelers visit the famous manicured village of Eze along with its chic hotel, as well as the artsy medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Of course, both of these old villages provoke oohs and aahs on everyone’s lips for good reason. Nevertheless, lesser-known villages in the Alpes-Maritimes region are definitely worth the detour for their authenticity and charm, each in their own unique way.
And that’s where we’re going! Join us as we discover four lovely French medieval villages hidden in the corners of the South of France.
1. Sainte Agnes – Medieval and Fortified
Sainte Agnes has two privileges:
- It’s officially labeled as possibly the most beautiful village in France.
- At 800m above sea level, it also claims to be the highest coastal village in Europe.
Beaux Villages of France
A significant portion of the road leading up to this medieval village is steep and filled with sharp twists and turns. However, the spectacular views of the valley below—filled with olive trees and various shades of blue on the horizon—largely make up for it.
In Sainte Agnes, the cobblestone streets wind through secret archways and peaceful squares, making it easy to imagine life centuries ago.
What to Visit in Sainte Agnes
Wander the Streets to Admire the Houses
Take a closer look at the houses dating from the 15th to 18th centuries that line the narrow streets and alleys. Some homes are original, while others are restored, but all are full of fascinating details and character.
Bunker on Maginot Line and its WWII Fort
This massive fortification built in the 1930s was meant to protect France’s borders from invaders. The bunkers extend several meters into the rock and can be visited for a fee, making it an intriguing stop for history buffs.
The Garden
A path not far from the fort leads to a wide and steep stairway. Follow this path to the garden, which is well worth the effort, even if it tests your stamina. The reward? Stunning views of the village’s rooftops along the way!
The garden is filled with exceptionally maintained fruit trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs. While a small donation may be requested by the volunteers caring for the garden, entrance is free.
The Castle
Above the gardens sits the castle. However, what remains are merely ruins. These remnants tell the tale of a king who, in the late 1600s, destroyed the 10th-century castle as punishment for dissent against him.
Take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the panoramic view of this medieval village. For hikers, numerous paths lead to incredible viewpoints and other nearby villages.
Spring and fall are ideal seasons for memorable experiences in this unique medieval village. Although winter has its charm, be warned that most shops are closed during these months.
Saint Agnes Village Location:
Sainte Agnes is located to the east of the French Riviera, right above Menton, the last town before the Italian border.
2. Coaraze – The Sunniest of Medieval Towns in the Alpes Maritimes
Twists and turns. Mimosa, pine, and olive trees fill the air with a delightful ambiance, marked by the sounds of crickets and the scent of rosemary plants. Reaching this circular hilltop village is a slow ride, as the suspense builds up subtly around every turn through luxurious green vegetation.
This is no mere tourist spot; real people live here. It’s a functioning village where residents are happy to see visitors. Besides its picturesque setting, it also lives up to its medieval legacy.
As you enter, read the small panels at the old village entrance that explain different landmarks, including the public “lavoir,” a long rectangular concrete basin where women once washed their clothes. This daily chore doubled as a social time to discuss life.
We found ourselves happily lost amid the village’s medieval architecture, from the 16th-century church to the stone houses, arched passages, and narrow, sloped streets leading to secret corners—it all forms a maze of authenticity.
Sundials
Known as the village of the sun, Coaraze receives more sunlight than average year-round, accentuated by numerous sundials scattered throughout the village.
Around 1960, the first sundials were created by famous artists like Jean Cocteau. Then, in the 2000s, contemporary artists from the region, such as Ben and Sosno, added their own modern flair.
Challenge yourself to find the various sundials while exploring Coaraze. Picking up a small map at the tourism office makes it easier.
Painted Houses
Throughout the village, colorful houses painted in warm blues, yellows, and pinks provide fresh surprises. The sunlight intensifies these colors, adding a blend of curiosity and poetry to your stroll.
Directly in front of the village stands a small and simple 17th-century chapel. Inside, the Spanish artist Ponce de Leon painted two frescoes of biblical scenes using various shades of blue. For this reason, it was renamed the Blue Chapel in the early 1960s.
Nature Hike
For those who are fit and enjoy a good hike, a special path near the Blue Chapel leads up to the ruins of Rocca Sparviera. At about 1000 m altitude, this hike takes roughly 2 to 4 hours, depending on your pace.
Legend has it that during medieval times, Queen Jeanne, after a painful family tragedy, cursed Rocca Sparviera. Consumed by vengeance, her curse forced the 350 residents to abandon their homes hurriedly.
Today, the ruins are all that remain of this phantom village. The trail leads to breathtaking viewpoints all the way up to the ruins.
Another explanation for the residents’ departure is that due to drought, the village lacked water for too long. However, most people prefer to believe in the legend.
Ask the tourism office for a map. Proper shoes are essential for some tricky areas.
Village Location
The beautiful French village of Coaraze is located 40 km from the village of Sainte Agnes (mentioned above) and 30 km from Nice.
3. Tourrettes sur Loup – Medieval and Poetic
Tourrettes sur Loup is a picturesque medieval village adorned with flowers hanging from windows and welcoming residents who smile when greeted. Once through the impressive stone archway, the medieval setting sparks the imagination and transports visitors to another era.
We willingly accepted the invitation to wander, becoming delightfully lost within the narrow cobblestone streets while imagining the lives of lords and peasants in the Middle Ages.
This charming medieval town offers several hours of exploration within its main street and side alleys. We spent the entire afternoon delving into quirky details, delicate flowers, sweet scents, and sunlit stones. It’s a poetic experience that lingers in memory.
Although Tourrettes sur Loup isn’t large, its poetic charm proves that size doesn’t matter here. Everything intricately intertwines, forming a labyrinth of beauty around every stone.
Cité des Violettes
For over a century, the residents have cultivated violets, and this medieval village is renowned as the village of violets (Cité des Violettes). The small museum dedicated to this flower explains its history, and in March, the village holds a flower festival in celebration!
Queue up for some violet ice cream or purchase some crystallized violet candy as an original gift. As you stroll through, don’t forget to peek into tiny art galleries and admire the handmade crafts sold in boutique shops.
Indulge in a delicious meal at one of the village’s typical restaurants—or, like us, stop by a small snack shop for a more local taste. This French medieval village is a gem best explored alone or with family and friends.
Lose yourself in peaceful and soothing views that stretch beyond the ramparts over wooded hills toward the Mediterranean Sea. Catch glimpses of the green countryside and the valley below, where fig trees grow naturally.
Village Location
Tourrettes sur Loup is located about 40 km from Nice.
There is a car park in front of the church, and the village entrance is to the far right.
4. Gourdon – Small and Dreamy French Village with the Best View
This small medieval village rises from a rocky mountain and seems suspended on its edge as if by magic. This enchanting location earns its title as one of the most beautiful villages in France, often referred to as the Eagle’s Nest due to its spectacular view.
Reaching Gourdon involves navigating tight twists and turns, but the reward is an awe-inspiring green and rocky view of the valley below. You know you’re almost there when you see clusters of houses that seem to touch the sky.
The fortified ramparts and the 9th to 14th-century castle provided essential protection during WWII. They were strategically constructed during times of conflict to secure the village against invaders. Although strong symbols of resilience, the medieval village of Gourdon was almost forgotten.
Who would have thought that it would later attract so many visitors?
Gourdon’s reputation as the ideal representation of a French village may indeed hold true. Like a masterpiece painting, every aspect falls perfectly into place, and its beauty remains timeless.
Place Victoria
However, the real reason people flock here is the incredible view. Admire the panorama from the village’s best spot: Place Victoria, named after Queen Victoria, who stayed here in the 1800s.
Paraglide through blue skies and immerse yourself in the view, or simply take a short walk to the end of the main street. After passing quaint restaurants and small shops, we ventured up to the stone barrier and breathed in the magnificent scenery.
The low stone wall prevents admirers from falling into the ‘Valley of Wolves.’
And there you have it—a sweeping view across the valley below and into the Côte d’Azur horizon. With nearly 180 degrees of visibility, it’s clear why so many visitors flock to this spot year-round.
Spend a couple of hours strolling through the immaculate streets that gently slope up and down, admiring the beautifully restored facades bursting with charm.
With fewer than 500 residents living here year-round, many families own homes that they visit on weekends or during the summer to escape the city.
We arrived early in the morning to enjoy some peace and quiet. A warning for lovers of stone houses, wooden doors, and well-arranged flowered windows: take your time and prepare your eyes and camera!
Village Location
The beautiful French village of Gourdon is located 20 km from Tourrettes Sur Loup (mentioned above) and 40 km from Nice. There is a car park at the foot of the village, and it’s just a 5-minute walk to the village entrance.
Map of Villages in French Riviera (Côtes d’Azur)
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Explore Further
As our curiosity grows, it pushes us to explore further.
Each new angle reveals beauty alongside contradictions, further establishing that the Côte d’Azur is a multifaceted gem!
Charming medieval villages are just one facet.
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What do you believe to be the most beautiful villages in France? Have you visited the French Riviera?
Author Bio
Hello, my friends! I’m Karen from Urban Pax—writer, avid explorer, and single mom of teens—sharing travels and life. We explore the world together through our own planning, creating quality time as a family. Currently, we are living in the South of France.
Read more on our travel blog – Urban Pax Blog
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